Three Calamities: Jack (2)

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The bonfires burned low, slowly dying out.

The moon hid behind dark clouds as though playing hide-and-seek, now and then peeking out to cast its gentle light.

The party did not end until well past midnight. Many people were already drunk.

Sakura and the others had drunk plenty too. They were all resting in the Mink Tribe's houses. The night was quiet save for the cries of birds, beasts, and insects.

But in the early hours, wisps of strange smoke spread through the village. Everyone who breathed it in went weak and lost consciousness.

The next day dawned clear and bright. Warm sunlight shone down, and through her sleep, Sakura faintly heard someone calling her.

"Captain, Captain, wake up."

Pale-faced and bound, Conis cautiously wriggled over and nudged Sakura with her long legs.

Nearby, Ain, Bepo, Carrot, and even all the other members of the Mink Tribe had been tied up, too weak to move.

"Conis, let me sleep a little longer."

Sakura mumbled with her eyes closed and rolled over, intending to go back to sleep. But something felt wrong. Her hands were tied.

She jolted awake and sat up, her expression changing at the sight before her.

Everyone had been bound. Fierce-looking pirates surrounded them.

"What's going on?!"

Sakura was wide awake. She knew this was no dream.

"We're in trouble. Zou was attacked by one of the Four Emperors," Ain said. She felt as weak as though she had been bound with Seastone.

"One of the Four Emperors?"

Sakura looked toward the main square. Two members of the Mink Tribe were strapped to crosses, one a dog mink and the other a cat mink. Both were covered in wounds, their breathing faint.

"Boss Nekomamushi! Duke Inuarashi!"

Carrot watched the